Best Things To See, Eat And Do In Porto, Portugal

Portugal was founded in the 12th century in the northern city of Porto so there’s plenty for history buffs here. The old town is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. And Portugal’s second largest city is a mecca for shoe and leather goods lovers too, as the country’s famous shoemaking industry dates back to medieval times. In fact, the city is leading the way in Europe for sustainable footwear and leather goods. Last month producers signed the first “Green Pact” an initiative from the industry’s trade organisation APICCAPS and shoe research center, CTCP. Companies that sign the Green Pact promise to work in alternative ways to reach the goals of the United Nations and Europe, to halve carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve net-zero carbon emissions in 2050.

Today, Porto is Lisbon’s laid-back sibling and a place that requires a little more work to fully appreciate its many delights. Overlooking the River Douro with its famous Port Wine lodges, the city certainly has all the views and the cobbled (often very hilly) streets and beautiful ceramic tiled buildings are charming. But there’s far more to discover with a little ingenuity or help from a friendly local.

Where to Stay

Torel Avantgarde has one of the best locations in the city. Perched high on a hill overlooking the rooftops and the river Douro, this chic boutique hotel is also an impressive showcase of Portuguese art and design. Each room in the hotel is named after a painter, writer, designer or musician and decorated to reflect the artist’s personality and work. Many of the 39 rooms and 21 suites have a balcony overlooking the river.

The hotel’s outdoor infinity pool overlooking the river is tempting, although unheated but there’s a hot tub right beside it. There’s also a small indoor pool, gym and steam room plus a spa offering a range of treatments including massages and facials. Hotel guests and visitors alike make a beeline for the chic all day restaurant Tenro by Digby to enjoy the stunning views. The food on offer is also a major draw from smoked mackerel, octopus and typical codfish to duck ravioli.

Where to Eat

Start your day with one of Portugal’s famous custard tarts, Pastéis de Nata. According to locals, Manteigaria, beside the market is one of the best for these delicious treats. The market itself is worth visiting. Mercado de Bolhao, in a century old building, has just reopened after extensive renovations. Go there for traditional artisan products including Portuguese food like delicious cheeses that can be vacuum sealed for travelers.

Cantina 32 is well-known chef Luís Americo’s laid-back bistro. Decor is eclectic: concrete, plants plus vintage objects and furniture, as is the menu. Highlights include a mouthwatering prawn and rice dish, quail egg croquettes and cheesecake served in a flower pot. And do not miss what might be the best cake ever: a dense, moist caramel chocolate cake that’s a cross between fudge and cake.

Dinner is always special at Raiz, in a characterful, multi-floored, 19th-century townhouse. The ingredients are seasonal, fresh and local, with daily deliveries from Porto’s markets. Dishes include delicious salt-cod fritters, octopus ceviche and stuffed regional bread, “Broa” with smoked salmon, lime and aromatic herbs.

Likewise, a meal at the petite and charming Atrevo Restaurante is a real treat. Experimentation is the name of the game here but not in a frivolous way. Chef Tania Durao works with Portuguese and foreign flavors and organic ingredients, in an avant-garde way, and every dish is spot on. A recent menu included hake, bouillabaisse sauce and trout roe and clams, egg and coriander. Tasting menus are eight courses (65 euros) or five courses (45 euros).

Down one of Porto’s many charming cobbled streets, Miss’Opo has a distinctly boho warehouse vibe with mismatched plates and hand drawn menus. Cuisine is modern Portuguese, with an often changing menu, including dishes like black rice with octopus and tagliatelle with sea bass.

For lunch beside the river, Pisca is a charming, white washed wooden house that serves up some of Porto’s finest fish and seafood. Try the squid with lemon and almond aioli or salmon ceviche with mango. Lunch in the city center Vogue Cafe, as the name suggests, is a chic affair. The colorful and bright airy dining room is attached to the stunning Infante Sagres hotel. Salads, sandwiches and catch of the day are all expertly prepared and presented. For vegetarians, Especie Porto is one of the best in the city. The Korean fried cauliflower is so good, it’s sure to even appeal to the most ardent carnivores.

What to Do

For contemporary art lovers, the Serralves on the outskirts of town, is a must. The grounds are gorgeous and a lovely place to picnic and see outdoor sculptures by artists like Swedish-American sculptor, Claes Oldenburg. There is also a dusky pink art deco villa and beautiful fountains. Inside the main galleries, expect top Portuguese and international art. Current shows have included the Portuguese painter Paula Rego and American performance artist Cindy Sherman.

The Crystal Palace gardens in central Porto is another beautiful place to enjoy nature, with the unexpected bonus of panoramic views of the river. The original building was inspired by the Crystal Palace in London. It launched in 1865 to host the International Exhibition, a world’s fair. Eventually falling into disrepair, it was demolished in 1951 but today visitors can still enjoy the gardens.

Visit the famous soap and fragrance house, Claus Porto, renowned since 1887 for its soaps, colognes, scented candles and grooming products, packaged in colorful, hand-made labels and designs.

Sustainable Shops: Shoes, Vinyl and Vintage

Head to Rua Miguel Bombarda for a taste of contemporary art and design or Rua de Santa Catarina, Porto’s main shopping street. You’ll find some of Porto’s famous shoemaking here plus second hand and vintage shops. Be sure to check out the many businesses offering sustainable options.

Over 22 billion pairs of shoes end up in landfill annually, some of which are made with soles that last 1,000 years. So it’s good to see Portuguese brands like Ambitious, Belcinto and Sanjo using sustainable methods like upcycling and recycling. Lusquinos uses only fully compostable components; no plastic or metal. And recycled sneakers become finished soles for new shoes at Bolflex, the only company in Europe and probably the world, that grinds down old soles to make new ones. Each new sole contains 15-70% of their recycled rubber.

Lemon Jelly is a vegan footwear brand, approved by PETA. Another vegan footwear brand, Zouri, uses plastic trash from the Portuguese coast, together with ecologic and sustainable materials. Asportuguesas is the world’s first cork flip-flops brand, using this 100% natural raw material that is created from a tree and retrieved every nine years without the tree ever being cut down.

For an eco-conscious visitor to Porto looking to buy sneakers or a handbag from these brands, there are plenty of great shops in town or, try their websites. The Feeting Room, on two floors is a chic concept store featuring a cafe, plus shoes and clothing from Portuguese and international brands. Sneakers and clothing from sustainable brands Sanjo, LOT – Labels of Tomorrow, as well as accessories and design items ranging from bags to jewellery, home décor to stationery and more, are all here.

Cru, Coração de alecrim and SCAR-ID also all have excellent sustainable footwear options. Humana Vintage is the city’s must go to address for vintage clothing lovers. This thrift shop offers two floors of retro bliss. Other vintage stores, more expensive but worth checking out, include Arranca Corações and Patch. Vinyl lovers will enjoy Tubitek , a record store with a carefully selected collection of Portuguese and international discs, including some rare gems. Matéria Prima also has records as well as books, magazines and zines.